Wild Patagonia: 5 Highlights for Active Travelers

Adventure with a side of luxury in Patagonia

To really experience the vast emptiness of Patagonia, do a self-drive tour in a 4×4 jeep.

A windswept land of craggy mountain peaks, ice formations, and glacial lakes spanning the southern portions of Chile and Peru, Patagonia takes top billing on many a nature-enthusiast’s travel list. Here are five Insider adventure attractions you won’t want to miss.

Blue Lagoon on HorsebackSaddle up and set out across the Alfredo River valley in Los Glaciares National Park to the glacier-fed Blue Lagoon, with stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy en route.Perito Moreno Glacier Ice TrekTake a catamaran to the floating 97-square-mile ice mass in Los Glaciares National Park and strap on a pair of crampons for a 2-hour walk through a still, otherworldly landscape.

French Valley HikeTour what is arguably Torres del Paine National Park‘s most beautiful valley on this easy-to-moderate hike beginning with a catamaran to the trailhead. See glaciers, brilliantly blue lakes, and the Cuernos del Paine peaks – breathtaking at sunset.

Torres del Paine CircuitReserve an entire day to tackle one of Patagonia’s most spectacular hikes. Four hours on foot through the Ascencio River valley ends in a steep uphill climb to the Torres del Paine Lookout at the base of the park’s three namesake granite torres (towers), looming 1,000 meters overhead. Toast the trail’s end by drinking in the tranquil rock-and-ice landscape and the glasslike, turquoise lake.

Patagonia Camp OvernightChile’s first luxury wilderness lodge is the perfect place for adventure lovers who crave a cozy bed at the end of the day: each fully furnished, heated yurt has a private bath and lakeside terrace.